THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF King CHARLES From his Birth to his Death Faithfully and Impartially performed By Lambert Wood Gent. LONDON Printed for Simon Miller at the Star in St Pauls Church-yard near the West end 1659. Carolus REX Angliae TO THE READER COURTEOUS READER HEre is presented to thy View the Life and Raigne of King Charls from his Birth to his Death together with all the transactions both Military and Civil during his Raign by which thou maist plainly see the degrees and steps which occasioned the fall and untimely end of that great though unfortunate Prince I was the rather encouraged hereunto by the sad complaint of Prince Henry eldest Brother to the Late King which was That the English Nation being inferiour to none for praise-worthy Atchievements yet were surpast by all in remitting their praise-worthy Actions to posterity In the Compiling this History I have kept close to the naked truth without the least reflection upon any Party or Interest and that in as few words as is imaginable not omitting any thing considerable or worthy the Readers taking notice of His whole Raign was full of mutations and changes For it is with times as it is with wayes some are more rough and steep others more smooth and level or rather may they be compared to the sea which is now calm and smooth and presently boysterous waves and surgies are only prevalent the truth of both are evident and fresh in the memory of many of the different Raigns of King James and King Charles the first being subtilly indulgent to his own ease had entayled an empty Exchequer upon the latter which in humane probability was the occasion of the sad breaches and differences that happened betwixt him and his Subjects There is a naturall desire in all mankind since the fall to know good and evil and it is as naturall to most men to pry into the secrets of Princes and the more Princes endeavour to conceal their thoughts the more the people labour to divine them and when people are most in the dark they fain to themselves the clearest light and take the presumption to censure rashly the intentions of Princes as when the Thunderbolt fell on Sejanus his head the vulgar and most ignorant of the people boasted they fore-saw the tempest Therefore it is best to Take St Paul's advice not to judge any thing till the time come I have omitted affected words and height of Rhetorick neither being so essentially necessary for a History which is chiefly intended for surviving Ages Thus requesting thee gentle Reader to accept of the poor endeavour of him who is Thy Friend LAMBERT WOOD. King Charles his Life and Death Courteous Reader These Books following are Printed or sold by Simon Miller at the Star in St Pauls Church-yard Small Folio THe Civil Warres of Spain in the Reign of Charles the fifth Emperour of Germany and King of that Nation wherein our late unhappy differences are paralleled in many particulars A general History of Scotland from the year 767. to the death of King James containing the principal Revolutions and Transactions of Church and State with Political observations and reflections upon the same by David Hume of Godscroft The History of this Iron Age. Doctor Lightfoot his Harmony on the New Testament Mr. Paul Baine on the Ephesians In Quarte large Barklay his Argenis Translated by Sir Robert le Grise Knight by his Late Majesties special Command Quarto small Abraham's Faith or the good old Religion proving the Doctrine of the Church of England to be the only true faith of Gods Elect By J Nicholson Minister of the Gospel The Anatomy of Mortality By George Stroad Aynsworth on the Canticles Paul Bain his Diocesans Trial. Gralle against Appolonius A Treatise of Civil Policy being a clear decision of 43 Queries concerning prerogative right and priviledge in reference to the supreme Prince and the people By Samuel Rutherford professor of Divinity of St Andrews in Scotland Politick and Military observations of Civil and Military Government containing the birth encrease decay of Monarchies the carriage of Princes and Magistrates Mr Pinchin his meritorious price of mans redemption cleared Astrology Theologized shewing what nature and influence the Starres and Planets have over men and how the same may be diverted and avoided The Harmony of Confessions Camdens Remains Large Octavo Florus Anglicus with the Lively Effigies of all the Kings and Queens since the Conquest cut in Brass The Reconciler of the Bible wherein above two thousand seeming Contradictions are fully and plainly Reconciled Evidences for Heaven containing infallible signs and real demonstrations for assurance of salvation published by Edm. Calamy Minister of Aldermanbury Lond. The Life and Reign of King Charles from his birth to his death By Lambert Wood. A view of the Jewish Religion with their Rites Customes and Ceremonies Small Octave Ed. Waterhouse Esq his Discourse of Piety and Charity A view and defence of the Reformation of the Church of England very usefull in these times Mr Peter du Moulin his Antidote against Popery published on purpose to prevent the delusions of the Priests and Jesuites who are now very busie amongst us Herberts Devotions or a Companion for a Christian containing Meditations and Prayers usefull upon all occasions Mr. Knowles his Rudiment of the Hebrew Tongue A Book of Scheams or Figures of Heaven ready set for every four minutes of times and very usefull for all Astrologers Florus Anglicus or an exact History of England from the Reign of William the Cōnqueror to the death of the Late King Lingua or the Combate of the Tongue and the five Senses for superiority a serious Comedy The Spirits Touch-stone being a clear discovery how a man may certainly know whether he be truly taught by the Spirit of God or not The poor mans Physitian and Chyrurgion The Idol of Clowns The Christian Moderator in 3 parts The Golden-fleece or a Discourse of the cloathing of England Dr. Sibbs his Meditations Doctor Smith's practice of Physick The Grammar Warre Posselius Apothegmes Fasciculus Florum Crashaw's Visions Helvicus Colloquies The Christian Souldier his combate with the three arch-enemies of mankind the world the flesh and the devil Vigerius precipes Idiotismus Hensius de Crepundiae The History of Russia or the Government of the Emperour of Muscovia with the manner and fashions of the people of that Country Drexeliu's School of Patience Viginti Quat The New Testament The third part of the Bible Plays The Ball Chawbut Martyr'd Souldier THE LIFE RAIGNE of KING CHARLES from his Birth to his Death CHARLES the second Son of King James was borne at Dumferling in Scotland the 19 of November 1600. who during his Infancy was of a very weak and sickly temper but arriving to riper yeares proved to be of a very healthfull Constitution Whilst he abode in Scotland was created Duke of Albany Marquesse of Ormond Count Ross and Lord of Ardmannoth and was the sixt of January 1604. in
presence of all the Lords of the Privy Councell and other Peeres of the Realme at Westminster Created Duke of Yorke with all usuall and accustomed solemnities Count Gundamore being sent over Ambassadour from the King of Spaine to treate of a Match betwixt the young Prince and the Infanta of Spaine who confidently affirmed there was no other way to regaine the Palatinate and to settle a perpetual Peace in England but by this Match King James having a naturall inclination to peace gives great attention and by advice of the Privy Councell the Prince on the 17 of Feb. 1622. is sent disguised with the Duke of Buckingham attended by Endimion Porter of the Bed-Chamber and Richard Greenham Master of the Horse to the Duke who were met at Dover by Sir Francis Cottington Secretary to the Prince who being Imbarqued Land at Boloigne and so post to Paris where staying one day he had a transient View of that excellent Lady the Princes Henerettae Maria at a Mask which The Great Disposer of all things had preserved for him On the 7th of March he arrives at Madrid and alighted at the Earle of Bristolls house then extraordinary Ambassadour whose suddaine arrivall startled Bristoll who was altogether a stranger to the Journey The next Morning notice was given to Count Olivares the Spanish favourite and by him Communicated to King Philip of the arrivall of the Duke of Buckingham who in private informed the King of the Princes hazardous adventure to have a sight of the Infanta which accordingly was afterwards performed with a great deale of seeming affection But the crafty Spaniard could by no means be drawne to admit the restitution of the Palatinate but would reserve it as a Gratuity to be freely bestowed after the Marriage Much time was spent and Articles were drawn on both sides ready to signe when on the suddaine Pope Gregory dies who was to give his dispensation for the Match application is made to Pope Vrban which protracted much time the Prince being sensible of delay desires leave to returne with many Complements takes his farewell of the King and Infanta and with much danger arrives the fist of October at Porchmouth the next day posts to London where he was received with unspeakable joy of the people and soone after hasts to Royston where the King then resided to whom he gave an ample and large account of the whole proceedings the King communicates it to the Councell who concluded to acquaint a Parliament with it and forthwith a Parliament was summoned to meet in February following Which being met he declared the necessity of a mutuall compliance betwixt a King and his Parliament urging it with the parallel of Christ and his Church the husband the wife and so falls upon the businesse giving a short account of his Sons going to Spaine with Buckingham to attend him and his endeavours therein for the peace and welfare of Christendom and desires their advice and assistance for the good of the Common-wealth Religion his Son his Children of the Palatinate how that his Estate and welfare consisted with theirs and that he was free to follow their advice and concluded with serious and Christian Protestations that never wayfaring man in the burning desarts more desired water to quench his thirst then he thirsted and longed for the happy successe of this Parliament The House after debate desired a further account of the particulars which accordingly was performed by the Duke of Buckingham and the Prince Buckingham having satisfied the curiosity of a searching Parliament was by them greatly esteemed and looked upon as the preserver of the Nation The Parliament after nature Consideration advise the King to break off the Treaty and to proclaim open warre the King being naturally of a peacefull disposition was very timorous of it and urges his great want of money to maintaine it the Exchequer being much drained by his Sons Journey into Spaine Ambassadours the maintenance of his Children abroad who eate no other bread but by him besides he was loath to shew his Teeth and could not bite he is willing to dissolve the Treaties but if he should begin a warre God onely knows when it will end but he would ingage his Son for the Recovery of the Palatinate and in his old age will if need require assist in person promising the disposall of the moneys to a Committee of Parliament Forthwith a Councell of War is chosen who order 6000 men to be sent immediately into the Low Countryes in order to their passage into Germany Buckingham is accused of treason by the Spanish Ambassadour but nothing came of it The Prince growing in yeares and in the favour of the people the Treaty with Spaine being null'd some overtures are made for a Match with the Princes Henneretta Maria the youngest sister of the French King King James breaks it to his Privy Councell which joyntly applaud it a Parliament being summoned and the businesse propounded it was entertained by them with an unanimous consent and proposed that an Ambassadour be forth with sent to negotiate in behalfe of the Match the Earle of Holland is with all Expedition sent to feele the pulse of the French King in whom he found a ready inclination so that he could easily guesse at the event having advertised his Majesty of it instantly the Earle of Carlile is sent as an additionall Ambassadour to the Earle of Holland the French King sends Marquesse D'Effait for England in the quality of an Ambassadour the Noble Instruments plyed their businesse so close that on the tenth of November 1624. Articles on both sides were signed there wanted nothing for the Compleating the Match but a dispensation from Rome for which the King of France sollicited In the Interim King James being molested with a tertian Ague which drave him into a Feaver delivers up his soule to God the 27 of March 1625. at Theobalds leaving his three Kingdomes to his Son Various rumours past among the people concerning a plaister which the Duke of Buckingham caused to be laid to the Kings wrists but his Physitians Sir Matthew Lister Dr Chambers and others being examined cleared the Duke of that scandall He was accounted and called Great Britaines Solomon by some Courtiers a Generall Scholler and made all his Studies and Learning subservient to that of Divinity He was a perfect hater of Arminianisme the Semipelagians and of the Calvinisticall Presbyterian humour which severall times attempted to break forth in his Raigue but he by his wisdome supprest an excellent Oratour and by some charg'd with Epicurisme A man studious of peace The sad Newes of King James his death came to Whitehall just when Bishop Laud was in his Sermon which made him to breake off in compliance with the sadnesse of the Congregation His Son Charles was immediately proclaimed at the Court Gate King of Great Britaine France and Ireland who presently dispatcheth aviso's of his Fathers death to all Confederate Princes and States
to Next he took care for the solemne Interring of the Royall Corps which on the 14 of May was performed with all funerall Rites his Statue was lively presented on a magnificent Heare King Charles being present thereat His funerall Sermon was preached by Dr Williams Lord Keeper and Bishop of Lincolne King James by his death had intailed a war and an empty Exchequer upon his Successour which in all humane probability was the occasion of the great differences and vast breaches betwixt him and the people The King though much possest with griefe yet there remained some part for love he had still an eye toward France and to manifest it he sent out Letters of procuration to the Duke Chevereux to Espouse the Lady Heneretta Maria which Espousalls were solemnly performed in the Church of Nostredam in Paris The Bride prepares for England the Duke of Buckingham and the Earle of Montgomery with divers other Gentlemen of quality were sent to attend her At Bulloigne she was attended with one and twenty Ships and divers Ladies of Honour and on Sunday the 12 of Jane 1625. she landed at Dover the King then lay at Canterbury and the next day met her at Dover whence with all solemnity she was conducted to Somerset-House in London where a Chappel was prepared for her devotion with a Covent adjoyning of Capuchin Fryers according to the Articles of Marriage London at that time was much visited with the Contagion which broke out under the same roof that it formerly did at King James his Initiation into the Government and that which is more remarkable on the same day The King was not altogether Rapt up with the enjoyment of his deare Consort but he was mindfull of the affaires of State summons a Parliament which being met he speaks to this purpose My Lords and Gentlemen You are not ignorant that at your carnest Intreaty March 23d 1623. my Father of happy memory first took up Arms for the recovery of the Palatinate for which purpose by your assistance he began to forme a considerable Army and to prepare a Goodly Armado and Royall Navy but death intervening between him and the atchievement the war with the Crowne is divolved upon me to the prosecution whereof I am obliged both in nature and Honour so I question not but the same necessity continuing you 'le cherish the Action with the like affection and further it with a ready contribution True it is you furnished my father with affectionate supplyes but they hold no simmetry proportīo with the Charge of so great an enterprize for those your donatives are all disburst to a penny and I am inforc't to summon you hither to tell you that neither can the Army advance nor the Fleete set forth without further ayd Consider I pray you the eyes of all Europe are defixt upon me to whom I shall appeare ridiculous as though I were unable to out goe Muster and Ostentation if you now desert me Consider it is my first attempt wherein if I sustaine a foyle it will blemish all my future Honour If mine cannot let your own reputation move you deliver and expedite me fairely out of this warre wherewith you have encumbred let it never be said wherein you have betraid me I desire therefore your speedy supply speedy I call it for else it will prove no supply the Sunne you know is entring into his declining point so it will be soone too late to set forth when it shall be rather too soone to returne Againe I must mind you of the mortality now Regnant in the City which should it as so it may and no breach of proviledge neither arrest any one member of either House it would soone put a period both to consultation and session so that your own periclitation necessitates an early resolution In summe three of the best Rhetoricians Honour Oportunity and Safety are all of a plot and plead you see for expedition Perhaps it may be expected I should say something in way of account of my Religion as also of the temper and tenure of my future Government but as I hope I have not been guilty of any thing which may justly start the least question in either so I desire you will repose in this assurance that I will in neither vary from those principles wherein I have been instituted at the feete of that eminent Gamaliel my late Father Which being ended he valed his Crowne This Speech I set downe at large it being the first and I think not Inferiour to any for Rhetorick Though this Speech consisted of very pressing Arguments yet the Parliament made but slow hast for they had two Petitions one for Religion the other for Grievances which were presented to King James the last Session but received no answer which Petitions were presented to the King with this pretence that he might have time to consider and give a deliberate answer To the Petition for Religion his Majesty promised very faire but to the Petition for Grievances his Majesty gave very many satisfactory Answers he caused the Accounts of the severall disbursments relating to the Army and Navy to be delivered in to the Parliament which wrought such good effect that they gave him freely two Subsidies from Protestants four from Papists and three from the Clergy The King taking notice of the small appearance in the House by reason of the Infection Adjourn'd the Parliament to Oxford and the first of August the Parliament met at Oxford where they presented his Majesty a Petition against Recusants which the King readily and freely assented to The King urgeth the speedy Contributions which caused great debates some were very free and willing others were backward and pretended the businesse was managed with green heads speaking very unworthily of the Duke the greater part that refused resolved upon a Remonstrance the King being informed of it and fearing the distemper would grow too high dissolves the Parliament In September the States of Holland send over an Ambassadour to request a League offensive and defensive against their common enemies the Emperour and the King of Spaine which the King consented to on condition they would bear a fourth part of the charge of the Fleet Buckingham and Holland are sent over into the Low Countryes to advise with the Ambassadours of severall Princes about the restauration of the Kings sister but they were disappointed for the Danes denied ability the French unwilling upon their returne came the sad newes of the ill successe of our Fleete who put out the 8 of October and by the 12. were dissipated by reason of a furious storme which was so violent that 50 ships of 80 were missing for some time the storme being over a Councell was called and concluded to annoy the Ships in Gades Bay but finding it difficult by reason of a Fort just before it orders were issued out to cleere it or secure it in order to the designe but finding it Impregnable by Sea they conclude to
which they answer'd with a Petition moving him to accord with his two Houses they likewise set out a Declaration for the safety of Hull promising satisfaction for all damages sustained On the 11 of June 1642. The Parliament Vote that an Army shall be raised for the defence of King and Parliament and the Earle of Essex to be Generall The King according to his former Intentions with an Army of 3000 foote and 1000 horse Intends to besiege Hull by Land and made Proclamation that none on paine of death carry any provisions into Hull Hotham being Inform'd of the Kings advance summons a Councell of War which resolve to hold the King play with their Ordinance till the tide came in and then to draw up their sluces which accordingly was performed with much damage to the Kings Souldiers Hotham likewise sends to the Parliament requiring 500 men for the safety of the Towne and provisions Upon which by command of the Parliament Drums are beaten p in London and other adjacent Counties for Volunteers to goe immediatly to Hull and within a week 500 men and more were sent by Sea under the command of Sir John Meldram to assist Sir John Hotham The King calls a Councell and resolves to break up the siege By this time the Earle of Warwick was possest of most of the Fleete for the service of the Parliament and they were in a considerable way to raise an Army by the assistance of that mass of money and plate that was brought in for it is almost Incredible with what zeale and affection by the Ministers perswasions the people were willing to be rid of their Treasure every one vying who should contribute most nay the women and maidens spared not their Rings Thimbles and Bodkins for the advancement of the cause The Earle of Essex with much prudence raiseth a considerable body of horse and foote The Earle of Bedford was Voted to be Generall of the Horse Collonell Goring eldest Son to the Lord Goring was sent down to Portsmouth by the Parliament but suddenly he declares for the King The King being return'd to York summons the Gentry and requires their assistance for the raising of a Regiment for the Princes Guard to be commanded by the Earle of Cumberland The Parliament declare against the Commission of Array Vote it Illegall on the other side the King being Inform'd of the Earle of Essex his raising an Army proclaimes hm a Rebell and a Traytor to the King and his Crowne and that all Collonells and other Officers under his Command that shall not Instantly lay downe their Armes are Guilty of High Treason And likewise Commands the Marquesse of Hartford to raise what Forces he could to suppresse him Great was the Contest almost in every County betwixt the Parliament Commissioners and the Commissioners of Array In some Counties the Kings party prevailed in others the Parliaments London the Great Metropolis was not exempted for Sir Richard Gurney then Lord Major was committed to the Tower for causing the Kings Commission of Array to be read and was by the Lords deprived of his Majoralty never to beare Office in City or Common-wealth and to continue prisoner during the pleasure of the House The King being at York publisheth a Grand Declaration of all the proceedings from the beginning of this Parliament to this present time concluding with a solemn Protestation of his affections to Parliaments and the peace and happiness of the Kingdome and within few dayes sends a Message to the Parliament taxing them with borrowing 100000 l. out of the Adventures money for the reliefe of Ireland to which they returne a speedy answer The King in person moveth from place to place On the 22 of July he made a Speech to the Gentry in Leicestershire on the 4th of August to the Gentry in Yorkshire and that war might not want its solemnity on the 20 of August he sets up his Standard Royall at Nottingham and by Proclamation requires the ayd and assistance of all his Subjects on the North side Trent and within twenty miles Southward thereof for his just defence and that whosoever shall supply him with money and plate he as God shall enable him will repay and reward accordin gto the measure of their love and affection to him and their Country On the 25 of August 1642. from Nottingham the King sends a Message to both Houses by the Earles of Southampton and Dorset and Sir John Culpepper for a treaty of peace and that an equall number may be chosen to meet where they should appoint that there may if possible be an accommodation out of a deep sense of the Calamities that attend the Kingdome To which they answer That untill he recalls that Proclamation which proclaimes them Rebells and takes down his Standard they will by no meanes heare of it To which he replyes That to remove all scruples that may hinder the Treaty by him so much desired so that a day be appointed by the Parliament for revoking their Declarations against all persons as traytors assisting him he will with all chearfulness on the same day recall his Proclamations and take down his Standard and likewise promised to grant any thing that should be for the good of his subjects assuring them that his greatest desire was to get a right understanding To which they humbly answer and petition that his Majesty would take down his Standard withdraw his Declarations and leave his Forces and returne to the Parliament and receive their faithfull advice of whose reall affection he need not to doubt Within few dayes the King sends a second reply That he could neither doe nor offer any more then he had already and that he should think himselfe cleare fromany blood that might be spilt in this quarrell The Parliament give encouragement to the well affected that what moneys they should lend should be satisfied out of Delinquents estates and declare that whosoever shall returne from the King to the Parliament within ten dayes shall be pardoned excepting the Duke of Richmond the Earles of Newcastle Cumberland Bristoll Rivers and Carnarvan Mr. Edward Hide Endimion Porter Secretary Nicholas Vicount New-wark Vicount Haltland The Parliament being Inform'd that the Queen was soliciting the States of Holland to contribute Armes and Ammunition for the King send Mr. Walter Strickland a Member of the House over into Holland with Credentiall Letters They likewise drew up a Declaration to the States of Holland to satisfie them of their whole proceedings Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice in September arrive in England and offer their service to their Uncle who were immediatly put into Command Prince Rupert with a small body of Horse flew up and downe through diverse Counties and gained a considerable body together The King himself moves though with a slower pace and had gotten a great number together marches to Shrewsbury a place of great concernment as being the Inlet to Wales where he orders a Mint to melt down the plate which
which the King plainly perceived could produce no good effect in March following he dissolves them Not long after the Estates of the Low Countries send over Ambassadours to mediate in behalfe of a peace betwixt the King and Parliament Prince Rupert goes on Victoriously with a flying Army relieves Bolton Stopford and Leverpoole advances to York in his way Raises the siege of Latham House which was at that time besieged by the Parliaments Forces Upon his approach the Enemy drew off their siege They within sally out and doe some mischiefe to the reare of the Enemy The Prince pursues them with a Resolution to give them Battaile At last he comes to York upon whose approach the besiegers drew off the Prince follows intending to fight them and accordingly the third of July 1644 at seven a clock in the morning the fight began the Parliaments Forces having the advantage of the ground being on the South side of Marston Moore within four miles of York the Prince with the Right wing fell on the Parliaments Forces routs them the Generall Goring and Sir Charles Lucas fell on the maine body of the Enemy and routed them but pursuing them too far the Enemy Rallied and fell on the divided bodyes totally disperst them took 3000 prisoners 20 pieces of Ordinance beside a considerable quantity of Officers Immediately the Lord Fairfax and his Son the Earle of Manchester surround York Sir Thomas Glenham being then Governour for the King but by reason of Marston-Moore-fight all their powder and Ammunition was spent Sir Thomas was compeld to deliver it on honourable tearmes In December 1644 William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury after above an hundred times Attendance on the House was by the Commons Voted Guilty of High Treason and therefore condemn'd to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd which sentence he patiently received but upon his Petition they Vote him to be beheaded he likewise Petitions for his Chaplain Dr Sterne to whom they joyne Mr Marshall whom he refused for the Comfort of his soule and accordingly on the tenth of January he was conducted by Penington to the scaffold on Tower-hill where he made his last Sermon to the people enlarging himselfe on this Text Heb. 12. and 2d Let us run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith who for the Joy that was set before him endured the Crosse and despised the shame and is now set downe at the Right hand of the throne of God which Sermon or Speech continued almost an houre and after prayer and some short Ejaculations laid down his head upon the block which the Executioner struck off at one blow and thus with much patience and Christian magnanimity he deliver'd up his soule to God Sir John Hotham in December 1644. was sentenc't to loose his head Captain Hotham was likewise Condemn'd and Executed the first of January Sir John the second of January on Tower-bill Not long after there was a treaty of peace appointed at Vxbridge The Commissioners on both sides being met the Proposals on both sides were made but all hopes of peace were frustrate Mr Love was much complained of who preaching there told them That the Kings Commissioners came with hearts full of blood and that there is as great distance between this treaty and peace as between heaven and hell for which in stead of being checkt he is taken into favour by the Parliament In March 1645. Sir Lewis Dives took Waymouth for the King In which was good store of Ordinance and all other provisions answerable with forty small Vessells in the Harbour The Kings Forces lay siege to Melcomb Regis Crumwell intends to joyne with Waller for its reliefe They of the Garrison of Plimouth issue out and beate the Kings Forces from Mount Stamford and took 150 prisoners Sir Marmaduke Langdale went out of Oxford with 2000 Horse and Dragoones fell upon the Lincolnshire Horse and forc't them to retire confusedly having taken two compleate troops marcht forward with Intentions to cause the Parliaments Forces to draw off thereby to relieve New-wark Belvoire Ashby de la zouch with provision to enable them to hold out the longer when they shall be attempted They likewise endeavour the reliefe of Pomfret Castle but my Lord Fairfax is ready with a body to receive him However Sir Marmaduke advances falls on the Enemy and after he had kild and taken diverse hundreds relieves the Castle and returnes to New-wark from thence to Litchfeild that thereby he may make choice either of going to Oxford or joyning with Prince Maurice The King at Oxford takes care to furnish it as also Wallingford and Banbury with all necessary provisions for six moneths and to get a formidable Army into the field this Summer The House of Lords made the Earle of Northumberland and his Lady Governour and Governesse of the Kings Children at Whitehall The Earle of Northampton lying at Banbury with foure hundred Horse fell on the Northampton Horse routed and kild many Major Generall Browne at Abbington sent out severall parties at times who returned very successfull with good store of provisions having kild diverse of the Enemy The Commons conceive the Earle of Essex too mild in the prosecution of the warre he having had such ill successe in the West and began to thinke of New Moddelling the Army to which purpose a Bill is brought into the House for Sir Thomas Fairfax to be Generall They likewise Vote the Earle of Essex to pacifie him 10000 l. per Annum out of Delinquents estates Both Houses Vote Sir Thomas Fairfax a Gentleman descended from a Noble and ancient family to be Generall for the Parliament who with much modesty accepted of it On the first of Aprill he issued out Commissions and on the third of Aprill went privately to Windsor to assist in the New Moddelling of the Army They likewise continued Lieutenant Generall Cromwell a stout Champion for his Country who having received his Commission immediately marcht and found the Enemy and ingag'd them at Ipsley Bridge the Enemies Brigade consisted of the Queens Colonell Wilmots the Earle of Northampton and Colonel Palmers Regiments Routed them kild many took 500 Horse and 200 prisoners together with the Queens Standard and pursues them to Blechingdon-house which Colonel Windebank kept for the King He sends a sharp Summons to the Governour to be speedily answered The Governour doubting of reliefe from Oxford immediately surrenders the House with all the Armes and Ammunition Cromwell immediately slighted the house and sent the Armes to Alsbury For which Windebank was sentenc't by a Councell of War at Oxford to be shot to death The Generall having compleated the Army was at a losse which way he should steere his course either to Oxford or the West Oxford was the Kings chiefe Garrison and there lay the most part of his traine of Artillery which if he could take would be of very great consequence but the distressed estate of Taunton
then close besieged by the Kings Forces ballanc't the scale and at a Councell of War it was resolved to relieve Taunton The King at that time was in a condition to take the field and had sent severall Dispatches to that purpose Sir Thomas Fairfax on the first of May advances with the whole Army first to Blauford then to Salisbury excepting that party of Horse and Dragoones Commanded by Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and foure Regiments of foote which were ordered to joyn with him The King taking the advantage of the Armies march into the West draws forth his Artillery from Oxford and began to gather into a considerable Body Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and Browne were orderd to attend him but being too few in number to engage The Generall by the Committee of both Kingdomes was commanded back all but a Brigade for the Reliefe of Taunton which were neer 5000 foote and 2000 horse who march without any impediment till they came within ten miles of Taunton where they discharged ten pieces of Ordinance to give the Enemy notice of their arrivall The Enemy being inform'd that the Generall and the whole Army were within ten miles prepare to draw off upon which Blake made a sally out and fell upon the reare kild and took diverse Colonel Wildon sends a party of Horse who approach to the walls for the Enemy had quit it The viewing the Towne was one of the saddest spectacles that ever eyes beheld it being almost consum'd by fire and the people almost starv'd The Generall and most of the Army being come back to Newbery were met with an order of the Committee of both Kingdomes immediately to lay close siege to Oxford Cromwell and Browne that attended the King were commanded back to assist in the work and after fifteen dayes surrounding the Towne it was by a Councell of War thought altogether Inconvenient to continue the siege the Kings Army unattempted in the field which the Generall presents to the Committee The King Horses most of his foote and moves up and downe and taking the Advantage of the Scots advance toward Westmorland and after he had relieved Chester comes on and faces Leicester Prince Rupert sent a Summons to the Towne offering quarter to the Souldiers Townsmen and Countrymen The Committee and Officers within desire till next morning to returne their answer The Trumpeter no sooner comes to the Kings Army but immediately a Drum is sent to require an answer in a quarter of an houre which while they were debating in the Towne the Kings Canons from the battery began to play and all were commanded to their Charge in order to a storme the Contest continued a day and a night with a great deale of Resolution on both sides In some breaches they came to push of Pike On Saturday at three of the Clock they enterd the Towne and in hot blood many were put to the sword some plunderd On the other side Colonel Massey with 2000 Horse and foote having laine two dayes before Evisham storm'd the Towne and took it with the Governour and twenty Officers 500 foote 120 Horse with all the Armes and Ammunition The Commons order six hundred men to be sent for the security of Portsmouth There came news from the West that Generall Goring Sir Ralph Hopton and Sir Richard Greenvill had joyned together and falne upon that party that had relieved Taunton and forc't them to retire to Taunton in great disorder Upon the news of the taking of Leicester the Commons order that the straightning of Oxford be turned to a close siege Lieutenant Generall Cromwell was orderd toward Ely to prevent the Kings breaking into the associated Counties they like vise order the Earle of Leven to advance with the Scots Army and to joyne with Colonel Vermuden to prevent the Kings going Northward But upon second thoughts the Commons order the Generall to raise the siege at Oxford and to take care to preserve the associated Counties and fight the King The Generall on his removall viewed Bostoll House and ordred a party to besiege it He likewise sent a party of Horse and foote Commanded by Colonel Rainsborough to summon Gaunt House The Governour upon the first summons return'd answer that he liked not Windebanks Law but the next day Rainsborough having provided all things ready for a storme the Governour caused a parly to be beaten and surrenderd upon Quarter Lieutenant Generall Cromwell moving up and downe in Cambridge-shire Huntington and Ely managed his businesse with so much discretion as that he was able to have raised an Army of 12000 men to assist him in following the King But leaving those Counties in a posture of defence he marches toward the Generall with 600 Horse and Dragoones The King sends a party of Horse and faces Northampton he himselfe being at Harborough with the maine Body The King sends 1200 Horse with good store of Cattell and sheepe to Oxford which immediately returne Sir Thomas Fairfax came with the Army to Wotton thence to Glastenborough within five miles of Burrough hill where the Kings Forces were all drawne up in a readinesse The Generall for the Parliament advances from Gilling to Naseby endeavouring to ingage the Enemy the scouts discover that they were at Harborough and great bodyes of Horse appeared on the hills nigh Harborough he orders a Randevouz of the Army neere Naseby and to put them in such a posture that should the King advance toward them they might having the advantage of ground receive him By this time the Kings Army advances endeavouring to get the winde which occasioned Sir Thomas Fairfax to draw off the Army into a large fallow field toward the Northwest of Naseby which was defended on the right hand with a Hedge a place very convenient for a battell January 13. 1645. the King draws off from Burrough hill the scouts bringing Intelligence of the Parliaments Army approaching took up their quarters in Naseby Ireton with a flying party of Horse fell upon the flanke of the Enemy kild some and took diverse prisoners which so allarum'd the King that he posts to Harborough for better security summons a Councell of War and considerd that should they draw off and march to Leicester if the reare were ingaged the whole Army might be in danger and they could with no safety march with the Van till the Reare was secured whereupon it was resolv'd to give battell which was the most fatall and destructive to the King that ever hapned since the first beginning of the quarrell yet many of the principall Officers endeavoured to perswade to avoyd fighting The King Commanded the maine body The Right wing was Commanded by Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice The Left by Sir Marmaduke Langdale The Right Hand Reserve by the Earle of Lindsey and Sir Jacob Astley The Left by the Lord Bards and Sir George Lisle Sir Thomas Fairfax Commanded the maine Body Lieutenant Generall Cromwell the Right Wing Ireton the Left Prince Rupert falls in on the
it The Complaint of the Country every where was very Great by reason of free quarter which the Officers of the Army upon serious Inspection discover a designe to stop their pay to make them more odious to the people At a Councell of War held at the Bull in St Albanes where were present sixteen Colonels besides other Officers a Declaration was read of all their Grivances and desires containing 26 sheets of Paper which was orderd to be presented to the House Nemine contradicente The Commons order the drawing of severall Acts to be sign'd by his Majesty As 1. An Act for Justifying the War made by Parliament 2. An Act for Nulling all Honours since the carrying away of the Great Seale 3. An Act for explanation and preventing future Interpretations of the Statute 25 Ed. the 3d and all other Acts of Treason and that of the 11 of Henry the 7th concerning the subjects aiding the King in his Wars for the better securing the Kingdomes peace and subjects lives and estates which being sent to the Commissioners together with the Votes of the House concerning the Bishops their Lands were by them presented to his Majesty who seemed very much dissatisfied The Commissioners againe press upon the King to which he replies that he had given his answer already and could not with a safe conscience consent to the abolishing of Bishops nor approve of the alienating of their Lands because he is perswaded the first is Apostolicall the second sacrilegious He further tould them that if his two Houses will not recede from their former Votes and content themselves satisfied in order to peace He can be content with Christ to suffer any thing that can befall him rather then deprive himselfe of the tranquility of Conscience still hoping that the Parliament will consent To which the Commissioners answer that the Parliament conceive it necessary that his Majesty grant their request for the peace and welfare of the Kingdom assuring that it is not the Apostolicall Bishop which they require but the Bishop establisht by Law growne up to that height of pride and state Insulting over all power and burthensome to the persons and estates of the subjects And for alienating Bishops Lands they answer they were settled by Law and by Law may be alienated and that it was an ordinary practice of his Majesties Predecessors in the Case of Abby Lands On the 26 of November was presented a Declaration of the Army to the Commons House which was the day before subscribed by the Generall it contained 26 sheets of paper shewing the misgoings of King Parliament severally also in all Treaties betwixt them especially that they are now in They conceive the Parliament hath abundant cause to lay aside any further proceedings in this Treaty and to returne to their Votes of non-addresses and settle with or against the King that he was Governe no more by rejecting those demands of the King especially concerning his restitution and coming to London with freedome Honour and safety and that they proceed against the King in way of Justice and that a peremptory day be set for the Prince of Wales and Duke of York to come in if not to be declared uncapable of any Government and stand Exiled for ever as traytors The Governour of the Isle of Wight sends a Letter to the Lords that he may be discharged of his Imployment which they would by no meanes consent to but ordered him to continue his Imployment The Generall Orders Collonell Euers Governour of the Island and sent for Colonell Hamond to the head quarters at Windsor whither being come He was for some time detained The Generall sent a Letter to both Houses of the Grounds and reasons of his advance with his Army toward the City in pursuance of their former Declaration And on the second of December accordingly the Generall and Army enter the Lines of Communication The Generall quarterd at White Hall with a Regiment of foote the Horse and the rest of the Army quarter in the Mews St James's York House and diverse other places about the City The King from Newport was by the new Governour convey'd to Hurst Castle a very noysome and unwholsome place where during his restraint he composed his book entituled The portraiture of his sacred Majesty in his solitude and sufferings a Royall Monument which he left to posterity The House sat all day and night till eight of the Clock next morning many Speeches were made by divers Members of the Kings Concessions among the rest Mr Prin made a long Speech proving the Kings Concessions to be a Ground for a setled peace which was afterwards Voted in the House 129 being for it and 84 against it Wednesday December the sixt some part of the Army having a List of those Members that were to be taken into custody according they did it not permitting them to enter the House the number seazed was thirty-four two whereof viz. Sir Benjamine Ruddier and Mr Nathaniel Fines were by the Generall discharged the rest were carried to the Kings head in the Strand and divers other places of Westminster having Guards upon them Presently after was publisht the Reasons why the Army had secluded divers Members which were First That very many had turn'd Malignants and had brought such into the House and kept them in notwithstanding Votes to the contrary secondly They endeavouring to bring the King in upon his own tearmes thirdly Their protecting the 11 Members from Justice fourthly Their abetting and pertaking with the Cities violence on the House and tumults fifthly Encouraging the City and others to Petition for a personall Treaty sixthly Encouraging the late Insurrections and calling in the 11 Members The remaining Members continue sitting on the seventh of December Lieutenant Generall Cromwell came to the House and had their thankes for his faithfull service both in England and Scotland The same day the Lords Voted his Majesties Concessions a Ground for peace and forthwith adjourne Severall Regiments of Horse and foote were quarterd in Black Fryers St Pauls Church and all the Houses adjacent On the ninth of December a Petition was presented to the Councell of War at White Hall by the Officers and Souldiers of divers Regiments That the Grand and Capitall Enemies of the Common-wealth may be speedily brought to Justice The Committee fitting in White Hall order a Representative of 400 persons to be chosen throughout the Nation for the settlement of the Kingdome December 13. the Remaining part of the Commons House Nuld and Vote for his Majesties Concessions and order the Generall to take care of the King The Councell of War were orderd to sit to draw up a Charge against the King and accordingly orders were Issued out for his removall December the 10th his Majesty came from Hurst Castle dined at a Ladyes and that night came on Hors-back to Winchester where he lay all night The next night to Farnham attended by Colonel Harison and a Guard of 2000
He the said Charles Stuart hath given Commissions to his Son the Prince for that purpose By which cruel and unnaturall war by him the said Charles Stuart Levied continued and renued as aforesaid much Innocent blood hath been spilt many families have been undone The publique Treasury wasted and exhausted Trade obstructed and decayed Vast expence and damage to the Nation incur'd and many parts of the Land spoyled some even to desolation And for further prosecution of the said evill designes He the said Charles Stuart doth still continue his Commissions to the said Prince and other Rebells and Revolters All which wicked designes Wars and evill practices of him the said Charles Stuart have been and are carried on for the Advancing and Vpholding of the Personall Interest of Will and Power and pretended Prerogatives to himselfe against the Publique Interest Right Justice and peace of the Nation by and for whom he was Intrusted as aforesaid By all which it appeareth that He the said Charles Stuart hath been and is the occasioner Author and contriver of the said Vnnatural War and thereby Guilty of all the Treasons Murthers Rapines burnings spoyles desolations damage and mischiefe to this Nation acted and committed in the said Wars or occasion'd thereby And the said John Cook doth for the said Treasons and Crimes on the behalfe of the people of England Impeace the said Charles Stuart as a Tyrant Traytor Murtherer and a Publique and Implacable Enemy to the Common wealth of England And therefore prayeth that the said Charles Stuart King of England may be put to answer all and every the premises that such Proceedings Examinations Tryalls Sentences and Judgements may be hereupon had as may be agreeable to Justice The Lord President Replyed Sir you have now heard your Charge Read and in the Close it is prayed in behalfe of the Commons of England that you answer to your Charge The Court Expects your Answer The King I would know by what Power I was cald hither I was not long agoe in the Isle of Wright how I came thither is too long to relate or then I thinke now to speak of there I was in treaty with both Houses of Parliament was as much publique faith as its possible we were almost come to the Conclusion of a Treaty I would now know by what Authority I meane lawfull for there are many unlawfull Authorities in the world theeves and robbers by the high way but I would know by what Lawfull authority I was brought from thence and carried from place to place and when I know by what Lawfull Authority I shall answer Remember I am your King and what sins you bring upon your heads and what Judgements upon this Land thinke well upon it I say thinke well upon it before you goe from one sin to a greater Therefore let me know by what Lawfull Authority I am seated here In the meane time I shall not betray my trust I have a trust committed to me by God by old and Lawfull descent I will not betray it by answering to a new and Unlawfull Authority Lord President If you had been pleased to have observ'd what had been hinted to you by the Court at your first coming hither you would have knowne by what Authority Which Authority requires you in the name of the people of England by which you are Elected King to answer them The King No Sir I deny that Lord President If you acknowledge not the Authority of the Court they must proceed The King I doe tell them so England is an hereditary and not an Elective Kingdome and hath been so neare 1000 yeares therefore let me know by what Authority I am cald hither I stand more for the priviledge of my people than any that are seated here still urging to know by what Authority he was seated there and he would answer otherwise not President Charges the King with Interrogating the Court which did not beseeme him in that condition The King tould him he was brought from the Isle of Wight by force and he did not come there as submitting to the Court professing to stand for the priviledge of the House of Commons still urging a Legall Authority warranted by the Word of God or the Constitution of the Kingdome and he would Answer President Seeing you will not answer the Court will consider how to proceed in the meane time you are to be carried away by them that brought you hither The Court desires to know whether this is all you will answer The King Sir I desire you would Give me and all the world satisfaction in this it s no sleight thing you are about I am sworne to God for the peace of my Country and therefore you would doe well to satisfie God and then the world by what Authority you doe this there is a God in Heaven that will call you and all that Gives you power to account President The Court expects your finall answer you desire satisfaction of their Authority it is upon Gods Authority and that 's our present Work The King That which you have said satisfies no reasonable man President That 's in your apprehension we thinke it reasonable that are your Judges The King Neither your apprehension nor mine ought to decide it President Commands the King to be taken away And accordingly he was convey'd back to St James's Two dayes after on the 22 of January the Court meet in the painted Chamber where they order that the King shall not be sufferd to argue the Jurisdiction of the Court and that in case the King should againe dispute their Authority the President is to let him know that the Court hath consider'd his demands the last day and that he ought to rest satisfied with this answer That the Commons of England assembled in Parliament have constituted this Court whose power may not nor shall not be disputed against by him Further That in case the King shall not answer the President is to let him know that the Court doth take it as a contumacy and record it and in case he answer with a saving notwithstanding of his pretended Prerogative above the Jurisdiction of the Court the President to refuse his protest and require his positive answer whether he will own the Court or not And in case the King shall continue in his contempt The President shall command the Clarke to demand of the King them Charles Stuart King of England you are accus'd in behalfe of the people of England of divers high Crimes and Treasons which Charge hath been Read to you The Court requires you to give your positive answer either to confesse or deny And forthwith the Court assembles in Westminster Hall where after their Names are cald over the Captaine of the Guard is commanded to fetch the King who being brought and seated as before a Great shout was made by the people Soliciter Cooke againe accuseth the King as before the Charge being Read he required he might give a positive answer